‘World class visitor attraction’ planned for Royal Liver Building

Plans for a ‘world class visitor attraction’, café/bar and a new restaurant at Liverpool’s Royal Liver Building have been revealed.

The proposals form part of multiple newly submitted applications to carry out renovations at the Grade I-listed waterfront landmark.

The overall scheme would mark phase two of updating the iconic building, which is known as one of the city’s ‘Three Graces’, after it was acquired by Corestate Capital in February 2017.

CBRE’s Liverpool-based national building consultancy team has put forward the plans to Liverpool City Council on behalf of the owner, which has also been working with architects Corstophine + Wright, heritage advisor Peter de Figueiredo, and Curtins structural and civil engineers.

New ground, mezzanine and first floor Grade A office suites and gym and cycle facilities for occupiers are also included in the refurbishment plans.

If approved, the visitor attraction would be designed, delivered and operated by Heritage Great Britain in partnership with Corestate, opening up the building to the public for the first time in generations.

Meanwhile the proposed restaurant would be incorporated on the north west corner fronting the Pier Head, and two atriums would be opened up to make way for new ground floor facilities including the café/bar as well as break out areas and meeting facilities for the building’s workspace tenants.

Allan Leech, CEO of Heritage Great Britain, says: “Heritage Great Britain is extremely proud to be bringing a world-class visitor attraction to such an iconic landmark building.

“It’s the first time in a number of generations that the world famous building will be accessible to tourists and residents, giving behind the scenes access and stunning 360 degree views across the city and region, together with cutting edge technology to educate and entertain visitors.”

Chris Sinton, senior planner at CBRE, adds: “Working collaboratively with Corestate and the wider design team, CBRE has contributed to developing an ambitious long-term vision to re-position the Royal Liver Building with the aim of creating a truly vibrant and revitalised destination in Liverpool.

“By undertaking a rigorous and robust visioning exercise, building on the Building’s challenges and opportunities, the design team has secured broad support from key stakeholders for key development objectives that will guide future proposals in relation to this iconic Grade I-listed building. “

The phase two repositioning scheme is scheduled to be delivered in phases between the first and third quarters of 2019.